Health Insurance/ Medicare & Medicaid

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)

Health insurance can be confusing. Knowing health insurance options 
might save consumers money. For consumers' questions about Medicare,
Medicare HMOs, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance, help is just a phone call away.

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program, also known as VICAP, provides free, confidential assistance with health insurance matters. VICAP's purpose is to help older adults (or their caregivers), and adults with disabilities, with questions and concerns about Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplement insurance, and long-term care insurance.

VICAP counselors are trained, objective volunteers who answer your questions over the phone or in person. VICAP counselors are certified by the Virginia Department for the Aging and the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. VICAP is funded by the federal Medicare agency, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

VICAP counselors do not represent insurance companies or medical providers. Counselors are not permitted to recommend a particular insurance company. They provide individuals with reliable information so that they can make smart decisions, get the benefits they are entitled to, and know their rights.

A VICAP counselor can help with individuals with the following:

• understanding and sorting out medical bills; 
• filing a health insurance claim, or resolving a disputed claim; 
• comparing Medicare-Plus-Choice options, or Medicare supplement policies;
• finding special resources that help save money for people on Medicare who have lower income and limited assets; and
• assisting consumers with considerations regarding buying long-term care insurance, or comparing long-term care policies.

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